Margaret Handel

YOUNGSTOWN – Margaret Vasu Handel was born in Youngstown on April 10, 1928, to Romulus George and Margit Hrabko Vasu. She departed this life surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.
A 1946 graduate of Ursuline High School, she attended Ursuline College in Cleveland and Youngstown College, from where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Primary and Secondary Education in 1950.
Margaret taught in the Youngstown schools in the 1950s. She married Lawrence Joseph Handel in 1953 and soon remained home to raise her five children. In the 1980s she resumed her teaching career at Holy Family School in Poland.
She is survived by three daughters, Barbara Jean Danford and Elizabeth Ann Handel of North Carolina and Mary Margaret Handel of Washington, D.C.; and two sons, David L. (Barbara) of Youngstown and Thomas J. (Roberta) of Sylvania. Eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren complete her family.
Margaret’s husband, Larry, died April 25, 1985. Also preceding her in death were her mother and father; three sisters, Alice Kish, Eugenia Olson, and Aurelia “Bunny” Wertz; four brothers, Claude Vasu, Lee Vasu, Lawrence Vasu and George Vasu, one grandchild, Rachelle Handel; and a daughter-in-law, Judith Handel.
Family and friends may call Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 from 10 to 11 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Holy Family Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to The Handel Foundation in memory of Margaret Handel.
The Handel Foundation was created in memory of Shelly and Judith Handel to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities by providing financial assistance or support to individuals and their families or organizations with the same goal. Donations can be sent to The Handel Foundation, 721 Boardman-Poland Road, Youngstown, OH 44512.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Marian Living Center and Assumption Village for the excellent care and compassion provided to Margaret throughout her last years.
Professional arrangements are by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes Poland Chapel.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.